Getting Started with Pro Tools

1. When you create a new session, save it your folder on the HARD DRIVE. Only copy your file to your disc at the end of your studio time. Never attempt to play a Pro Tools file from anywhere but the hard drive.

2. You may need to change the input settings for the MBox. Go to the “set up” menu, and select “I/O setup.” Select “input” and at the top of the screen, it will either read “MBox S/PDIF 1 2” or “MBox Analog 1 2.” If your input is coming from the mixing board, select S/PDIF; if you are plugging an analog device directly into the MBox, select Analog. You should also check the “session setup window” (under the “Windows” menu)to make sure the clock is set to “internal.”

3. Add new tracks. Remember, if you are recording a stereo source and wish to preserve its stereo nature, you need to record on a stereo track (or two mono tracks and set their panning to hard right and hard left). Most of the time you will want to record on mono tracks so you can easily set the panning of your sounds.

4. Record enable the track(s) you wish to record on. If the recording/playback controls are not on the desktop, open them (the “transport window”) under the "display" menu. Press record and check your levels before clicking on "play" to start recording.

REMEMBER WHEN YOU SAVE YOUR FILE, YOU ARE SAVING BOTH

· the AUDIO FILES (in the Audio Files folder) and

· the INFORMATION ABOUT WHAT PRO TOOLS IS TO DO WITH THOSE (in the file that looks like a reel-to-reel tape).

BOTH the FILE and the FOLDER are needed to recreate your Pro Tools Session.